Nikki Owens Class: Sophomore Hometown: Scotts Valley, Calif. High School: Scotts Valley HS Height: 5-9 Position: RHP Experience: SQ B/T: L/R

As a Sophomore (2013):

Did not play in 2012, but began her Cal career with a win against Cal Poly on March 1...Recorded her first career start against Saint Mary's on April 10...Started three of 10 games played, finishing the regular season with a 6.50 ERA with 13 strikeouts.

As a Freshman (2012):

Did not enter a game in the 2012 season.

High School:

Only played part of her senior season but still posted an 8-4 record in 74 innings of work with a 0.48 ERA and limited opposing teams to a combined .065...As a junior and sophomore, was named First-Team All-League and First-Team All-County...Was her prep team's MVP as a freshman and sophomore as well as sharing that title with a teammate as a junior

Club Ball:

Went to nationals twice with her 16U team...Played on the San Jose Lady Sharks Gold

Personal:

Would like to play abroad following Cal...Sister Michelle competed in cross country at Bethany University...Parents are Carl and Pam Owens...Mother Pam attended Cabrillo College

A Strong Connection to 2002: Growing up in Santa Cruz County, Nikki and Cal teammate Breana Kostreba spent time training at Santa Cruz Strength, a weight lifting and conditioning gym owned by none other than former Golden Bear Jocelyn Forest. In 2002, Forest led the Golden Bears to their first-ever NCAA Championship. Nikki notes that her biggest role model is Forest.

An Unconventional Schooling Route: Nikki was homeschooled until eighth grade. She also skipped kindergarten, so she is a full year younger than the other girls in her recruiting class.

Why I have my number:

My dad was No. 72 on his high school football team. I like 72 because it's different and a little weird. It speaks to my personality.

Pre-game Rituals:

I listen to motivational music or speeches, write "fire" on my wrist with Jasmin (Mejia), always tie my left cleat first and then button the top of my jersey right before I step on the field.

Walk-up Song:

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem - I love the intensity and the message of the song. It gets me in my zone.